Leonard Fleming Back At Detroit News After L'Affaire Dillon

Detroit News reporter Leonard Fleming has returned to work after making headlines last month when the ex-wife of state Treasurer Andy Dillon received a personal protection order against him.

Fleming's byline appeared in The News Tuesday above a story about a woman who shot herself accidentally in a Detroit casino.

A person with knowledge of the matter said Fleming received a 10-day suspension, a warning from management and a new assignment. He had covered city hall for several years.

News managing editor Don Nauss said he could not comment on a personnel matter.

Fleming, 43, did not return a phone call.

Carol Dillon, the ex-wife of Michigan's treasurer, received a personal protection order Jan. 10 against Fleming after saying Fleming had threatened to kill her with a baseball bat.

Carol Dillon also said Fleming harassed her numerous times and once texted her a photo of his penis, according to a Wayne County Circuit Court document. She said the message was: "I would be missing this if I discontinued being his friend."

The nature and timing of their relationship was uncertain in court papers. When given a choice on a court document to identify Fleming as a boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, spouse, ex-spouse, friend or neighbor, Carol Dillon checked "friend." But the person familiar with the situation said that Flemming told people that he had a romantic affair with Carol Dillon.

Andy Dillon and Carol Dillon divorced last year. As one of Gov. Rick Snyder's top aides, Andy Dillon has been involved for months with Detroit's financial crisis and was frequently a part of stories Fleming reported from city hall.

Fleming has not explained his version of events publicly, but has told people there is another side to the story.